WIDNES VIKINGS will revive Anglo-French rivalries from 2005 when Steve McCormack’s men take on Co-operative Championship newcomers Toulouse in the opening game of the 2009 season.

Toulouse, who enter the English competition for the first time this season, recorded one of the biggest upsets in Challenge Cup history to become the first ever French side to reach the semi-finals in 2005 when they beat the Vikings 40-24 before bowing out to Leeds Rhinos.

They will tackle the Vikings at Stobart Stadium Halton on March 14.

Widnes kick off their 2009 season with a trip to Barrow in the Northern Rail Cup on Sunday, February 8.

Also in the Vikings group are Blackpool, where Widnes play on March 1 in the first rugby league game staged under the floodlights at Fylde Rugby Union, while Oldham and Gateshead are the visitors to the Stobart Stadium Halton in the group stages.

The Easter programme sees Leigh Centurions the visitors on Good Friday whilst Widnes travel to the Keepmoat Stadium on Easter Monday for a game with Doncaster.

The trip to Toulouse takes place on Saturday, July 25, kicking off at 8pm in France.

The Vikings have lined up four trial games prior to the 2009 campaign, starting with a trip to the GPW Recruitment Stadium on December 27 and a game with St Helens.

On Sunday, January 18 Whitehaven are the visitors to the Stobart Stadium, Halton whilst the final two trial games are against Super League opposition.

The Vikings entertain newly promoted Salford City Reds (subject to confirmation by the RFL) on Tuesday, January 27 and the following Sunday, February 1, Widnes take on yet to be confirmed opposition.